With the onset of seasonal menu specialties, the kitchen once again becomes the central focus of most African-American homes. For some it begins with the Advent of Christmas, or perhaps an homage to ancestry and cultural identity while sharing traditional Afro-centric meals at Kwanzaa www.infoplease.com/spot/kwanzaa1.html an unique awareness comes. For others it comes during the culinary preparations in anticipation of Fat Tuesday feasting or the celebratory joyfulness of Resurrection Day. No matter the abode, decorative runners, festive place matts or seasonal tablescapes the custom of kitchen room socializing has always stored more than condiments and foodstuffs. It is here that decades of beloved memories and undeterred hope intertwine. Here, were elders created memorable Emancipation Day Brunches and Dinners and sometimes tweeted grown folks appetizers, ground chuck burgers w/ 2 ounces of bourbon*. Way before the novelty of TV-dinners, designer great-room kitchen ideas and the phenomena of subscription meal services (Plated, Blue Apron, Hello Fresh and Marley Spoon) home cooking was more than a fad.

Thoroughly mix bourbon into seasoned meat and form into patties.Grill 4 or 5 minutes on each side. Serve with spiced peach half or with

grilled pineapple rings and cottage cheese. Serves: 2.

Back in those wholesome decades, the kitchen was more than a specialized culinary space. In most multi-generational African-American family homes like the one I grew up in, this room seemed to also hold magical properties. For me, it was an amazing gathering-room which nourished the body as well as nurtured emotional maturity. It was a growing up space that informed our reality and in many instances wove the fabrics of our lives.

'nothing says lovin' like something in the oven'.

Some old folks mixed and mingled as they swapped lies, alibies and raised glasses as they toasted events, places and remembered faces. Libations were plentiful as most attendees brought a 5th of their favorite spirits plus a bottle for the house. They consumed shots of gin, guzzled cold brews, drank blended Scotch Whisky, i.e. Chivas Regal or Johnnie Walker and sipped Boone's Farm as they munched upon pork skin rinds, chips and salted nuts. Then there were a few that had to eat on the run: hand-held meat pies, rib tips and naked deep-fried chicken wings dosed with hot sauce. Other kinfolks enjoyed side dishes: 'just a taste' of hand torn collard greens, spicy, crisp fried chicken, stewed apples & pears, boiled rutabaga, cornbread and glasses of sweet tea.

These family and friend gatherings always rekindled feelings of comfort and well-being. A traditional Emancipation Day celebration usually lasted more than 48 hours. At suppertime, chairs were added and the extra table leaf was secured, before gathering for the big family meal. The familiar alluring aroma of freshly made yeast rolls wafting through the air still beckons both emerging home-chefs and established professional cooks. In years past, finger rings were removed; aprons were donned and rolling pins were floured when in the domain of an accomplished 'scratch-cooking' chef. And to this day, younger helpers and older cooks alike still walk softly in hopeful anticipation of mouth-watering vegetable based pies, mixed fruit cobblers or epicurean desserts prepared under their stern tutelage of these masters. And generation after generation it is has become evident that more than pots and pans still linger in these kitchens.

Recipes for cooking and living an honorable lifestyle were also passed down: Elders were to be respected. Promises made were promises kept. Never lay down with anger on your pillow. Never prepare a meal without love and fresh spice blends.

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AuthorC.A. Lofton is an award-winning African-American poet /writer and an established Transitional Celebrant. Additionally, she is also a noted proponent of Positive Thinking. Throughout her literary career, Ms. Lofton has remained a tireless champion of community initiatives that embraces,values and fosters an appreciation of Afro-centric creativity. Her Blended Activities Blog post are culturally responsive and focused upon creative growth and personal empowerment. C A enjoys playing Gin Rummy , entertaining and being an old -school home chef.​.